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Hotel California

It was a glorious October day with sunshine and light southeast winds. The barometer slid down to almost 1015 hPA but the forecast looks good with more light winds and sunshine.

Only two whale watching tour boats were observed visiting the Ecological Reserve today. Several ‘pleasure’ craft came through and only one speeder was observed, two young men in a rental boat.

There are more and more California Sea Lions and they are damaging the burial cairns and the area above the boat shed where the rare plants used to live. Where ever they haul-out for more than a few days becomes quickly burnt looking and devoid of vegetation. Today they knocked down a big boulder from above the boat house onto the walkway. The Canada Geese have returned as well and are stubborn about staying so it feels like an invasion. The Stellers Sea Lion numbers are staying steady and individually they seem much wiser and wilder than the California party lions. The Northern Elephant Seals sleep amongst the Californians and are much less reactive than either of the two sea lion species.

This Steller’s Sea Lion was branded as a pup and is # 873R from the very south of Oregon.

This brand is legible # 8341

Here are three partial brands on California Sea Lions, a typical shot.

Some people just don’t know where the reserve is and/or what the rules are in the reserve. I am giving them the benefit of the doubt.

Chores were all about fighting entropy today. The sunshine was a bonus for power generation and making fresh water. There were no visitors.